General Information

Overview

Swinburne’s Master of Architecture provides you with theoretical knowledge along with practice-based studio learning. This course offers a framework for exploring modern design practices that involve, evidence-based approaches, and the use of information retrieval, search algorithms, and optimisation techniques. You’ll also learn about data analysis, theory, and fabrication. This qualification allows you to practice as a registered architect.

Study structure

Successful completion of the  Master of Architecture requires students to complete units of study to the value of 200 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure 

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Design Research Studio A
Core unit, 25.0 credit points 		ARC70001
Professional Practice Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ARC70002
Design Research Studio B
Core unit, 25.0 credit points 		ARC70003
Theories of Buildings and Cities
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ARC70004
Dynamic Modelling of Cities
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ARC80001
Design Research Studio C
Core unit, 25.0 credit points 		ARC80002
Design Research Studio D
Core unit, 25.0 credit points 		ARC80003
Sustainable Construction and Documentation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ARC80004
Professional Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ARC80005
Elective units
DFM Toolbox: Innovation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration 1
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD80012
Transport Planning, Modelling and Economics
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		CVE80003
Studio 1: Methods for Design Research
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD40001
Studio 2: Design Principles
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD60011
Studio 3: Inclusive and Participatory Design
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD70019
Studio 4: Open Studio
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD70020

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete the Master of Architecture will be able to:

  • apply contemporary design theory as a critical and cultural practice.

  • develop cognitive and technical skills of advanced fabrication methods, and apply them to complex and creative situations.

  • use professional and managerial knowledge to evaluate architectural practice in a critical and ethical framework. 

  • use relevant research tools and data analysis to visualise complexity, and examine theoretical propositions in a creative and substantive manner.

  • develop design through a research process, developing innovative propositions to new situations, both individually and collaboratively.

  • utilise technical and communication methods to convey design thinking to both a professional and broad audience.

Career opportunities

The Master of Architecture is a future-focused qualification. It will equip students with an understanding to both mainstream and niche opportunities for architectural designers in built, virtual, and Industry 4.0 environments.

Professional recognition

The Master of Architecture is accredited with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Master of Architecture?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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